NOVA

Documentaries focus on science, the natural world, history and research.

NOVA

Parental Guide

Stellar science series expands curious minds.

Consumerism

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Drinking, drugs, & smoking

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Language

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Positive messages

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Positive role models

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Sex

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Parents need to know that this award-winning science series explores many topics that may be considered controversial, from AIDS to human cloning and "safe" cigarettes. While the science is presented in easy-to-understand terms, younger kids may not be able to grasp everything presented or may lose interest altogether. The show's documentary-style format is lively and far from dry, but parents should be aware that younger or less-curious kids may lose interest in this hour-long program, especially if they're used to watching lighter fare. Parents need to be aware that this show can be used as a teaching tool -- watch it with your kids, then conduct additional research to further expand your minds.

Season 42 Episode 15:

Secrets of Noah's Ark

Season 42 Episode 14:

Arctic Ghost Ship

Clues found on the ocean floor may clarify what happened to British explorer John Franklin and the 128 men who set off in two Royal Navy ships to chart the Northwest Passage in 1845, never to be heard from again.

Season 42 Episode 1:

Big Bang Machine

Season 41 Episode 23:

First Man on the Moon

Neil Armstrong's family and friends recall his achievements before and after the Apollo 11 moon landing, including his role in the inquiry into the Challenger disaster and his efforts to encourage young people to explore space and flight.

Season 41 Episode 7:

Wild Predator Invasion

Season 41 Episode 6:

Great Cathedral Mystery

Using period tools and techniques, bricklayers build an experimental mini-Duomo to try to determine how Filippo Brunelleschi built the dome that crowns Florence's great cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Season 40 Episode 9:

Ancient Computer

Season 40 Episode 8:

Meteor Strike

Scientists hunt for debris from the 7,000-ton asteroid that crashed in Russia, searching for clues to its origin and makeup; a review of past explosions, from Tunguska to the asteroid that extinguished the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

Season 30 Episode 7:

Dirty Bomb

Season 30 Episode 6:

Lost Treasures of Tibet

The Buddhist monastery of Thubchen lies on Nepal's northern border, and its medieval wall paintings are deteriorating fast from roof leaks and lamp soot; conservators want to restore the artworks; locals want them repainted.